Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a heating or cooling system includes a system controller, a memory in which system parameter information relating to the heating or cooling system is stored, and a communication device through which the system controller is configured to transmit and receive signals to/from at least one component controller. The system controller is configured to receive via the communication device a data signal from the at least one component controller that includes information relating to operational parameters for at least one system component installed in the heating and cooling system. The system controller is configured to store in the memory the received operational parameters corresponding to the at least one system component. The stored operational parameters may be retrievable for communication to a replacement component controller in the event that the at least one component controller is replaced.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a housing having a generally rectangular frame-shaped surface that extends around a display device, and first and second side walls on opposing sides of the housing. The first and second side walls of the housing each include at least one recessed notch therein. The various thermostat embodiments further include a colored insert having a generally rectangular frame-shaped configuration, which matches the generally rectangular frame-shaped surface of the housing. The colored insert is disposed over the housing so as to substantially cover the generally rectangular frame-shaped surface of the housing. The various thermostat embodiments further include a single translucent faceplate having an aperture therein, a generally rectangular frame-shaped surface extending around the aperture, and first and second side walls on opposing sides of the single translucent faceplate that include at least one engaging clip configured to engage the recessed notches in the housing.

Abstract: Described is a load-bearing support apparatus and system including an upper and lower support element adapted to rotate about one or more axes. The support elements can each further include support couplings. The apparatus can further include first and second support elements that can be adapted to bear the weight of a load along vertical and horizontal axes, respectively. The apparatus can include a mounting support element that can include upper and lower load connectors that can further be coupled to the load. The upper and lower load connectors can each be coupled to the upper and lower support couplings, respectively, in a ball-and-socket joint configuration. Because the ball-and-socket joints can create an articulating motion based on an operator's movement, the support apparatus can increase an operator's range of motion resulting in greater comfort and less fatigue while supporting the load.

Abstract: Various methods of detecting a found rotor, a lost rotor, a locked rotor and a caught rotor after a power disruption using flux estimates are disclosed. Also disclosed are permanent magnet motor controllers and assemblies suitable for performing one or more of these methods.

Abstract: A vacuum extension wand accessory storage assembly for use with a wet/dry vacuum that improves user access to the wands while simultaneously preventing accidental loss or dislodgement of the wands when the vacuum is not in use. The wand storage design includes the combination of a channeled, shaped surface formed in the bottom of the vacuum collection drum and an accessory attachment system on the bottom of the vacuum appliance having both front and rear securement assemblies which in combination secure the extension wands in place below the collection drum of the vacuum appliance in the event of vacuum transportation, lifting, or storage.

Abstract: A tool having a selectively positionable latch which governs access to an interior working region of the tool is described. The latch is selectively positionable between a closed position and an open position. For tools having multiple indenters for performing crimping operations, the latch can also include an indenter.

Abstract: A tool head using a scissor style pair of jaws is described. The jaws may be provided with cutting, pressing, crimping, or other functional surfaces. The tool head includes a linearly positionable member which is engaged with the jaws. Upon linear displacement of the member, the jaws are pivotally displaced.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system that includes a switched mode power supply. The switched mode power supply is configured to provide standby power to the HVAC system. The standby power may be limited substantially in accordance with power demand by one or more components of the HVAC system.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of check valves and fluid control valve assemblies including the same. In an exemplary embodiment, a valve assembly generally includes a valve housing including a check valve chamber and an opening. The valve assembly further includes a check valve for controlling fluid flow relative to the check valve chamber. A plug is sealingly engaged within the opening, to thereby seal the check valve chamber and restrict fluid flow from the check valve chamber out the opening through the valve housing. A flux-coated solder ring may be along an outer surface of the plug, without any flux-coated solder ring along an inner surface of the plug.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of an environmental controller having a processor and memory configured to, in an environmental control cycle of the controller, receive, in substantially real time, sensor data indicating operational values of at least one parameter controlled through the controller based on a control schedule for the control cycle. The processor(s) and memory are configured to graphically display, in substantially real time, the operational values and the control schedule relative to a time line for the control cycle.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a control for an HVAC system. The control has an alphanumeric display, a plurality of two position switches (e.g., push buttons, etc.), and a processor. The processor receives a current user input through at least one of the two position switches and determines a response to the current user input. The determining is performed using one or more previously received user inputs, if any, via one or more of the two position switches. The processor implements the determined response by displaying a message on the alphanumeric display and/or changing an operational parameter of the HVAC system.

Abstract: Various systems, tools, and methods are described for rendering regions of coated pipe suitable for receiving press fittings. The systems, tools, and methods may also be applicable for transforming regions of pipe, coated or uncoated, and which are otherwise unsuitable for sealingly engaging press fittings, so that reliable and leak-proof seals can be made between the pipe and press fittings.

Abstract: A vise apparatus with a bending fixture is disclosed in which the bending fixture includes a collection of projections on an operative and substantially vertical front face of a holding arrangement of the vise apparatus. The bending fixture supports and enables gravity assisted bending of a workpiece. The vise apparatus promotes bending workpieces with reduced effort and minimizes manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for connecting split HVAC systems (and/or for providing such connectivity) to networks and/or smart meters, thereby allowing a split HVAC system to be controllable via the Internet and/or a smart meter. An exemplary embodiment includes a system for use with a split HVAC system having at least one outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit having a receiver. In this exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a control having connectivity to a network and/or a smart utility meter. An equipment interface module is configured for wireless communication with the receiver of the at least one indoor unit and the control. The equipment interface module is operable for communicating instructions from the control to the receiver of the at least one indoor unit, thereby allowing operation of the at least one indoor unit to be controllable via the network and/or smart utility meter.

Abstract: An external connector block that can be positioned over multiple standard-sized power supply terminals that are secured to the housing of, e.g., a compressor is disclosed. The connector block includes an electrically conductive bridge connecting respective pins of the terminals in parallel. By connecting the terminals in parallel, the connector block increases the maximum allowable operating current of a terminal connection, while still utilizing standard-sized power terminal feed-throughs. As such, the connector block of the present disclosure may enable higher power rated applications without requiring a new power supply terminal design.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a method of compensating for thermal lag in a temperature control system. In an exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a controller of the temperature control system. The method includes receiving a first temperature obtained by a temperature sensing device at an end of a temperature control cycle. A second temperature obtained by the temperature sensing device is received at a pre-defined time after the end of the temperature control cycle. The method includes changing an operational set-point temperature of the temperature control system using a difference between the received temperatures.

Abstract: A vise apparatus with a bending fixture is disclosed in which the bending fixture includes a collection of projections on an operative and substantially vertical front face of a holding arrangement of the vise apparatus. The bending fixture supports and enables gravity assisted bending of a workpiece. The vise apparatus promotes bending workpieces with reduced effort and minimizes manufacturing costs.